Little Thorn Goods

Christina Thorness, left, owner of Little Thorn Goods, talks with Kellie Nelson as shops Thorness’ booth during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento in Tucson, Ariz. on May 24, 2024.

September is coming to a close! Make the most of your weekend- and the slightly cooler weather- with these 26 fun events! 

Walking tours with the Presidio Museum

Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals. 

When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.

Where: Locations vary based on tour.

Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events

Visit the event page for more information.

Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson

Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments. 

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays

Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Pay what you wish

Visit the event page for more information.

Dirty T Run Club

This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4 mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks. 

When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine 

Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their Instagram page for more information

A woman walks her dog around the Barrio Garden at the Tucson Botanical Gardens Wednesday, July 24.

$5 Fridays at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

Enjoy $5 admission to the Tucson Botanical Gardens every Friday through September 26. 

When: Fridays through September 26

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information.

Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater

Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance. 

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays

Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Rd.

Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner

Visit the event page for more information.

Di Luna Saturdays

Head over to Di Luna on Saturdays for a weekly market that features local vendors, food, drinks, flash tattoos and more!

When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays

Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit their event page for more information. 

Caroline Martin, right, owner of the art cart, checks in on Prairie Karwoski, 9, and her mother Geneva, as they enjoy snacks and make art at The Korean Rose.

Art Cart with Caroline Martin

Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!

When: Various dates throughout September

Where: Various places

Cost: $5-$15

Visit their event page for more information.

Haunted Hotel Tours

This 30-minute walking tour, you’ll explore all of Hotel Congress’ scary secrets, including the lady of the staircase, the Victorian gentleman in Room 214 and other spooky ghosts. 

When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. throughout October 29

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $15 for adults and $10 for kids

Visit the event page for more information

Southwestern Gems: A Public Lands Day Event

Arizona Public Media is showing a special screening of the AZPM original documentary Southwestern Gems: Our Desert National Parks, followed by an engaging panel discussion on the importance of preserving public lands. 

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, September 26

Where: Modern Languages Building, University of Arizona, 1423 East University Blvd

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Customers at Desert Dreams XO booth during the Summer Night Market at the MSA Annex, Tucson Ariz., June 30, 2023.

Summer Night Market

Shop from around 60 local makers when the Summer Night Market takes over the MSA Annex every fourth Friday of the month through September!

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, September 26

Where: MSA Annex, 267 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Fire Show at Sky Bar

Join Cirque Collective Fire Troupe on the patio of Sky Bar for their fire flow spectacle!

When: 8:15 p.m., Friday, September 26

Where: Sky Bar, 536 N 4th Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks.

Visit the event page for more information.

"Clueless": 90s Dance Party at The Surly Wench Pub

Dance the night away to all of your favorite retro hits! Dress in your raddest 90s attire, "Clueless" themed outfit, or come as yourself! 

When: 9 p.m., Friday, September 26

Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave.

Cost: $5

Visit their event page for more information.

Dog Days of Summer at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Meet and greet the adoptable dogs of Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue! The Goldens are ready to put on their best charm, so stop by and meet your new best friend!

When: 7:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Dragonfly Day at Mission Garden

Celebrate Dragonfly Day at Mission Garden! Take a guided tour with expert Doug Danforth to discover the dragonflies thriving in the garden, and participate in crafts and stories while you explore the insects living in the acequia.

When: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Mission Gardens, 946 W Mission Ln.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food.

Visit the event page for more information.

Cultura X Chicano Vibez Festival

Enjoy a Family-friendly weekend filled with food, shopping, and entertainment. Featuring a car show, fashion show, food trucks, live graffiti art, vendors, music, live performances, a break dance battle, and more, the festival focuses on uniting the Tucson community through culture and celebration.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, September 27 - 10 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: MSA Annex, 267 South Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend

Visit their event page for more information. 

Fiesta del Maíz at Kennedy Park is one of the big draws for the annual Pueblos del Maíz festival.

Fiesta Del Maíz

Gather for a celebration rooted in tradition and community, honoring the heart of the Sonoran Desert—maíz! Enjoy live music, cultural performances, delicious local food, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun.

When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Kennedy Park, 3357 S La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors

Visit their event page for more information. 

Pizza Pachanga

Build your own pizza, enjoy a round of Loteria and treat yourself to ice cream, all while sipping your favorite drink from Chappopin!

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Chapoppin Cafe, 640 N Stone Ave.

Cost: $40

Visit their event page for more information. 

Glitter & Glue- Poppin' Off

Unleash your sparkle and create your very own masquerade mask! Come solo or bring your glitter gang, and enjoy a fabulous night of friends and fun.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway

Cost: $25

Visit their event page for more information. 

An individual enjoys the Laser Taylor Swift show at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium in Tucson, 2023.

Laser Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows this September. Expect shows paired with the music of Daft Punk, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish.

When: 6:30- 10:30 p.m. Saturday, September 27

Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: $20, admission to science exhibits is included

Visit the event page for more information.

RuPaul's Drag Race Tina Burner presents Witch Perfect

The award winning show Witch Perfect is a live-singing, comedy parody based on the cult-classic and audience favorite Disney film, Hocus Pocus. Witch Perfect features three Emmy-winning stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as hit songs from pop icons Madonna, Britney Spears, and Cher, Disney classics from the Little Mermaid and Lion King, and Broadway tunes.

When: 8 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress St.

Cost: Various prices starting from $46

Visit their event page for more information. 

AZ Cats Annual Fundraiser

Come support your local softball team! Expect a day full of excitement, fun activities for the kids, shopping, delicious food, and so much more!

When: 12-5 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: 828 N Stone Ave.

Cost: $5 for entrance, bring money for vendors

Visit their event page for more information. 

Sublimation Creation Workshop

Design your very own custom sublimation creations! Choose from a wide variety of blank items including mugs, puzzles, tote bags, bookmarks and more! Let your imagination run wild and take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake!

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway

Cost: $15

Visit their event page for more information. 

Vanities: The Musical

Vanities: The Musical chronicles the life-affirming journey of three vivacious Texas teens from cheerleaders to sorority sisters to housewives to liberated women and beyond. The show is a funny and poignant look at three best friends who discover that, through thirty years of rapidly changing times, the one thing they can rely on is each other.

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: Marroney Theatre, 1025 N Olive Rd.

Cost: $26.50

Visit their event page for more information. 

Snakes & Lattes on Main Gate on East University Boulevard

Ravensburger Puzzle Race Mini Tournament- Snakes & Lattes

Bring your competitive spirit and pair up with your friends to compete against other teams, and fight for first place! If you love puzzles, you won't want to miss the fun. Your ticket includes a refreshing soda or iced tea for each team member, a shareable treat, and a captivating 500-piece puzzle to take home.

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: Snakes & Lattes, 988 E University Blvd.

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information

Fine Wines for Felines

If you love wine and cats? You can't miss this opportunity to support shelter cats and a local business! Taste 3 premium Arizona wines with vegan friendly hors d’oeuvres with a portion of proceeds going to the cats. Enjoy wines, local beers, and fun raffle prizes.

When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: Arizona Wine Collective, 4280 N Campbell Ave.

Cost: $25

Visit the event page for more information

Comedy Shenanigans

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter at this showcase featuring some of the funniest comedians around!

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, September 28

Where: The Rock, 136 N Park Ave.

Cost: $5

Visit the event page for more information


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